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ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – November 28, 2016

Dawn Morris, President of Bankers Warranty Group (BWG) and Bonded Builders Warranty Group (BBWG), affiliates of St. Petersburg, FL-based Bankers Financial Corporation, was awarded a Bronze level Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year in Consumer Services for a company with 11 to 2,500 Employees.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. All individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The 2016 awards received entries from 31 nations and territories.

Morris reflects on her award, “It is an honor to be recognized by The Stevie Awards and the judges who took the time to review the nomination and provide kudos filled with great advice. It is with that same spirit I approach the goals and strategies of our business and the associates I am fortunate enough to work with. Recognize a job well done and then focus on how we continue to innovate and improve with the customer at the center of everything we do.”

Morris’ leadership style resonates with Marketing Manager, Kelsey Cowan who states, “I cannot think of a woman more deserving of this award. She is true leader and role model. Her innovative ideas and passion for collaboration are recognized across our organization and throughout the partnerships with our clients and builders.”

More than 1,400 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in more than 90 categories. Stevie Award winners were selected by more than 160 professionals worldwide who participated in the judging process this year.

Bankers Warranty Group to Present Future View of Warranty Industry

St. Petersburg, Florida | September 26, 2016

A challenging landscape for the industry

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of Bankers Financial Corporation, will present its current findings and future roadmap for the warranty/extended service contract marketplace at the 7th annual Extended Warranty and Service Contract Innovations Showcase. The event will be held in Nashville, TN from September 28th – 30th.

Bankers Warranty Group President, Dawn Morris and Vice President of Business Development, Jocelyn Getson will meet industry experts representing various partners in the warranty/service contract market to discuss this dynamic and ever-changing marketplace. The event is designed to be a hands on learning experience for all attendees, highlighting key strategic areas of growth, including creating an innovative culture, customer engagement and experience and customizable solutions.

BWG President Dawn Morris stated, “This is a great opportunity to share our market research and insights with many industry leaders. Our research will highlight a variety of important trends that we see emerging over the next 5 years and how all of us need to adapt in a very dynamic marketplace environment.”

Morris and Getson will be presenting on Friday, September 30th at 9:40 am. For registration details, please visit the Warranty Innovation site here to register.

For more information on Bankers Warranty Group, please visit bankerswarrantygroup.com

Bankers Warranty Group President Named BusinessWoman of the Year Finalist

St. Petersburg, Florida | September 26, 2016

Dawn Morris, President, Bankers Warranty Group (BWG) and Bonded Builders Warranty Group, affiliates of St. Petersburg, FL-based Bankers Financial Corporation, earned the honor of Finalist at the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2016 BusinessWoman of the Year Awards.

Morris received the honor on Friday, September 23rd, within the highly competitive Financial Services category. The winners will be featured in an upcoming special edition on Friday, September 30th.

“Dawn is the only leading female executive in the builder warranty industry. To Dawn’s credit, she has never let any obstacle, including breaking through the glass ceiling, hold her back,” said John A. Strong, Chairman and CEO, Bankers Financial Corporation. “We truly value her leadership and skill set. Dawn now mentors other female associates on how to succeed in business and still maintain work-life balance.”

Morris has spent her entire career at Bankers, starting within the Accounts Payable department 22 years ago to become President of one of Bankers Financial Corporation’s most competitive business lines.

About Bankers Warranty Group

Bankers Warranty Group specializes in insurance and insurance tracking, financial services, home and electronics warranties, banking and real estate. For more information on Bankers Warranty Group, please visit bankerswarrantygroup.com.

About Bankers Financial Corporation

Bankers Financial Corporation is a 40-year old private, diversified financial services company based in St. Petersburg, FL. The 750 associates at Bankers offer outsourcing solutions for claims, policy and flood products for insurers; insurance tracking for lenders; human resources solutions as a professional employer organization for small business; warranties for consumer electronics and new homes; insurance and maintenance services for properties, businesses and builders; and surety bonds for bail. For more information on Bankers Financial Corporation, please visit www.bankersfinancialcorp.com.

Bankers Warranty Group Named One of Top Twitter Handles at National Hardware Show

Las Vegas, NV | May 5, 2015

We are excited to have been named by Industry Edge as one of the top 70 Twitter handles to follow at the National Hardware Show! This year’s National Hardware Show will be held in Las Vegas, May 5-7. As one of our biggest shows of the year and with 2,500 exhibitors to choose from we couldn’t be more proud that they’ve placed their bets on our tweeting skills.

Industry Edge’s writer, Miranda Metheny said, “When compiling the list, we researched a variety of exhibitors going to this year's show to see how active and engaging they were on Twitter. We were really impressed by your casual, yet professional tone on Twitter as well as your consistent activity and great use of images.”

We look forward to going all-in on social media to engage with retailers at the show and can’t wait to see what this year’s event has in store! Check out the full list of top 70 Twitter handles to follow at NHS and we’ll see you at booth 4839!

Jocelyn Getson joins BWG as VP of Business Development

St. Petersburg, Florida | September 8, 2016

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of Bankers Financial Corporation, announced today the appointment of Jocelyn Getson as Vice President of Business Development.

Getson comes to BWG with over 17 years of business development experience. In her most recent role, Getson served as Director of Business Development at a leading service contract administrator. While there Getson led top-tier partnerships and developed new programs within multiple verticals. Her holistic understanding of the retail and warranty industries makes her key for identifying opportunities and executing new initiatives through strategic planning and valuing partnership.

After President Dawn Morris assumed leadership of Bonded Builders Warranty Group (BBWG) in April of 2015, the warranty division recognized the need to bridge the gap between the consumer and home warranty programs. The addition of Getson will create synergy and encourage her fresh perspective across multiple distribution channels.

“I am excited to be part of the Bankers team, who is known for delivering best in class programs to our partners and pride themselves in top quality customer service. I look forward to further developing our already extensive offerings and continuing to grow opportunities in the modern business environment,” states Getson.

BWG President Dawn Morris reflects upon Jocelyn Getson joining the team, “We are thrilled to welcome Jocelyn to our team! Not only does she bring tremendous experience to our company, but she maintains such a positive energy. Jocelyn excels in creating and sustaining strategic partnerships, making her the ideal fit not only within our organization, but our industry as well.”

Bankers Warranty Group Named One of Top Twitter Handles at National Hardware Show

Las Vegas, NV | May 5, 2015

We are excited to have been named by Industry Edge as one of the top 70 Twitter handles to follow at the National Hardware Show! This year’s National Hardware Show will be held in Las Vegas, May 5-7. As one of our biggest shows of the year and with 2,500 exhibitors to choose from we couldn’t be more proud that they’ve placed their bets on our tweeting skills.

Industry Edge’s writer, Miranda Metheny said, “When compiling the list, we researched a variety of exhibitors going to this year's show to see how active and engaging they were on Twitter. We were really impressed by your casual, yet professional tone on Twitter as well as your consistent activity and great use of images.”

We look forward to going all-in on social media to engage with retailers at the show and can’t wait to see what this year’s event has in store! Check out the full list of top 70 Twitter handles to follow at NHS and we’ll see you at booth 4839!

Bankers Financial Corporation Sponsors CFH Racing

St. Petersburg, FL | March 10, 2015

New IndyCar partnership for 2015 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, FL

Bankers Financial Corporation (BFC), the St. Petersburg-based insurance, surety and business solutions company, announced an associate sponsorship of CFH Racing for the 2015 Firestone Grand Prix. During March 27–29 event in downtown St. Petersburg, the Bankers name will be on the No. 20 car, driven by Luca Filippi. This is Bankers first sponsorship of this world-renowned racing event, which kicks off the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series Championship.

“This is a great opportunity for us to support a local event and build awareness for Bankers in our hometown,” BFC Chief Marketing Officer Bill Lafontaine said. “Partnering with two great IndyCar drivers, Ed Carpenter and Sarah Fisher, and their team is an ideal way for Bankers to continue build our brand in the St. Petersburg area.”

Two-time defending Indianapolis 500 pole winner and IndyCar race winner Ed Carpenter said, “Having Bankers join us as a sponsor for the Firestone Grand Prix is very exciting, as we kick off the 2015 IndyCar Championship with Luca driving in his first event for the team. Sarah and I run our race team with family in mind, so it is a great fit to have family-owned Bankers as our newest team member.”

Practice for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg begins on March 27, 2015 with the race beginning at 3:00 pm ET on Sunday, March 29, 2015.

For more information on Bankers Financial Corporation, please visit www.bankersfinancialcorp.com. To learn more about more information of CFH Racing, please visit www.cfhracing.com.

About CFH Racing
Led by co-owners Ed Carpenter, Sarah Fisher, and Wink Hartman, CFH Racing was formed in August 2014 by the integration of Ed Carpenter Racing and Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing. What is now CFH Racing has five victories and 16 top five finishes in the past four years and back-to-back pole positions for the Indianapolis 500 with Carpenter. CFH Racing will compete in the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series with two Chevrolet V6 Twin Turbos, prepared in the team's Speedway, Ind. headquarters.

Bankers Warranty Group Partners with Aaron’s

St. Petersburg, FL | February 3, 2015

Aaron’s Protection Plan launched February 2

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of St. Petersburg, FL-based Bankers Financial Corporation, announced a new partnership with Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories.

“We believe in offering our customers a high level of service, and this includes providing the right extended service plan to support our name brand products,” said Kirby Salgado, Aaron’s Vice President of Merchandising. “Through BWG, we will be able to offer the Aaron’s Protection Plan with a variety of convenient program options for a wide range of product categories.”

BWG will support the current protection plan program while developing additional customized solutions that will inspire innovation and generate higher attachment rates.

“We are honored to have been chosen as Aaron’s extended service plan provider. Aaron’s was looking for a partner to revamp and reignite the passion of their program, and we are ready to make that happen. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” said Dawn Morris, BWG President.

Bankers Warranty Group Partners with Northern Tool

St. Petersburg, FL | October 6, 2014

Service Protection Plan (SPP) launched September 23

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – October 6, 2014

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of St. Petersburg, FL-based Bankers Financial Corporation, recently announced a new partnership with Northern Tool + Equipment Co.

"We're very pleased to have Bankers Warranty Group as our extended service plan partner," said Rick Thonet, Director of Credit Marketing for Northern Tool & Equipment Co. "We chose BWG because of its ability to provide comprehensive product protection for our customers, as well as their innovation in building new solutions for our specific needs."

For years, the SPP program has provided Northern Tool customers a variety of service plan options ranging from accidental damage to tractor-specific programs. BWG looks to continue the success of the program while adding new enhancements aimed at creating additional value and support.

“We are beyond enthusiastic about this partnership! We have already developed a strong relationship with Northern Tool, and we look forward to collaborating with them in the coming years. It is refreshing to work with another company that is rich in family history and passion, like ours is,” said Dawn Morris, BWG General Manager.

Bankers Warranty Group Wins Commercial Integrator BEST Award

St. Petersburg, FL | June 23, 2014

Honored for superior product and service for Commercial Integrator Professionals

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of St. Petersburg, FL-based Bankers Financial Corporation, received a CI Best award for their entry as a Warranty Service Company in the Dealer/Installer Aids category. The awards were presented at InfoComm International, a trade show representing the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Vice President of Sales, Mike Kelly and Manager of Training and Quality Assurance, Justin Miller attended this year’s show and were present to accept the award.

In August of 2013, BWG teamed with Almo Pro A/V to enhance the existing program by adding a Removal & Reinstallation program on Pro A/V products. The program provides integrators with a total service solution. This enhancement has aided in the improvement of the overall customer experience, as well providing an upfront revenue stream for our client.

Justin Miller, Almo’s Account Manager, attends each Almo E4 show as an informant to serve as a resource to customers. Miller says, “In today’s competitive landscape, BWG and Almo recognized a unique opportunity to provide a custom service solution unrivaled in the industry. With the launch of the removal and reinstallation program we were able to increase customer satisfaction and overall business performance. We are very humbled to receive this CI Best award for warranty services.”

Bankers Warranty Group Wins Stevie Award

St. Petersburg, FL | June 16, 2014

Honored at 12th Annual American Business Awards Ceremony

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of St. Petersburg, FL-based Bankers Financial Corporation, received a Bronze Stevie® Award from American Business Awards for Business-to-Business Marketing Brand Experience of the Year. Other finalists in the category were Citrix, Ogilvy Entertainment, Teradata Corporation, 97th Floor, Accenture and Monitronics.

The BWG “Tweet a Selfie” experience, a social media marketing campaign encouraging business partners to use Twitter as a communication platform, launched at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The campaign previously received two gold ADDY awards from the American Advertising Federation Tampa Bay.

The prestigious Stevie Awards, whose name is derived from the Greek for “crowned,” are conferred each year for achievement in business to organizations and individuals in more than 60 nations in three major categories, covering media, communications, investor relations, public relations and marketing.

BWG General Manager Dawn Morris said, “It is an honor to see our success reflected through a campaign modeled after our core values – trust, collaboration and innovation. Our focus on client relationships and the overall experience with BWG has demonstrated the importance of the transparent image of our company. What better way to expose who we are than through selfies?” Added Vice President of Sales Mike Kelly, “This was a really great way to interact with potential and existing clients, plus it was the most fun I have had a trade show!

Bankers Warranty Group at National Hardware Show

St. Petersburg, FL | May 21, 2014

“Get hammered at NHS” takes on new meaning

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of St. Petersburg, FL-based Bankers Financial Corporation, heads to the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas May 6 – 8, as a first-time exhibitor among the anticipated 27,000 home improvement and DIY industry professionals in attendance. BWG is there to get noticed, complete with a can’t-miss display graphics and an intriguing – and challenging – version of a traditional hardware-themed game.

BWG Vice President of Sales Mike Kelly said, “In my years of attending the National Hardware Show, I’ve recognized a growing need for creative service and warranty programs. To meet this need, BWG has put together customizable solutions for the hardware industry.” Also attending the show this year are National Sales Trainer Justin Miller and Marketing Specialist Kelsey Cowan.

The neon green BWG display space will host rousing games of Hammerschlagen, also known as Stump or Nagelspielen, during the convention. BWG representatives will wear their equally attention-getting “@WeAreBWG“ shirts, encouraging show attendees at stay in contact via Twitter.

Adds Kelly, “We invite you to come by our booth to have a little fun and hear how we can help you add to your existing warranty program or build you a new one.”

Bankers Warranty Group Expands Client Marketing Support

St. Petersburg, FL | April 1, 2014

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of St. Petersburg, FL-based Bankers Financial Corporation, announced today expansion of its client services to include marketing support by an award-winning in-house creative team.

As part of its customizable warranty service agreement programs for retailers and manufacturers, BWG offers marketing support ranging from multi-media campaigns, in-store point-sale materials, social media, print and traditional direct mail advertising. Recently, the BWG “Tweet a Selfie” campaign, designed for this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, was given two gold ADDY awards by American Advertising Federation Tampa Bay.

BWG General Manager Dawn Morris said, “As we continue to position BWG as a full-service business partner in the consumer service protection plan arena, the addition of high-level marketing support further differentiates us from others in the marketplace. When signing with us, companies know we deliver on our promise of best in class support, in all areas. We’re proud to say, as our Twitter feed lets you know, #WeAreBWG, and we are here to make you stand out.”

Bankers Warranty Group, Leader in Extended Service Plans,Adds to Leadership Team

St. Petersburg, FL | July 26, 2013

Michael Kelly joins BWG as Sales VP

Bankers Warranty Group, a subsidiary of Bankers Financial Corporation, announced today the appointment of Michael Kelly as Vice President of Sales.

Mr. Kelly joins BWG with over thirteen years of executive experience in the service contract industry. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Sales for Warrantech, VP of Sales for AMT Warranty and Regional VP of Sales for VAC Service Corp. With his extensive experience in the industry, Kelly is a good fit with BWG’s executive team of industry veterans.

“I am excited to join BWG because it is clear to me that they follow the same principles as I have throughout my career. Take care of the customer, build strong relationships, focus on growth and always deliver on what you promise,” says Kelly.

“I am very happy to welcome Mike to the BWG team. He brings a wealth of experience and professionalism with him that reflects BWG’s mission to create genuine partnerships with our clients to increase their revenue,” says Dawn Morris, Bankers Warranty Group General Manager.

Bankers Warranty Group, Leader in Extended Service Plans,Adds to Leadership Team

St. Petersburg, FL | April 18, 2013

Matt Taylor joins BWG as Ops VP

Bankers Warranty Group, a subsidiary of Bankers Financial Corporation, announced today the appointment of Matt Taylor as Vice President of Operations.

Mr. Taylor joins BWG with over eighteen years of experience in the service contract industry. He previously served as Vice President of Consumer Products/Account Management for Warrantech, VP of AmTrust Group and AVP of The Warranty Group. His thorough knowledge of every level of the industry, combined with his leadership expertise, gives him unique and valuable insight into ensuring effective account management and national sales training as well as quality service at every stage of the customer experience.

“I’m excited about joining the Bankers Warranty Group team. I believe my passion for and experience in this industry will complement BWG’s longstanding commitment to developing profitable partnerships with our dealers and quality service for their customers,” says Taylor.

“We are very pleased with the addition of Matt to the BWG executive team. His extraordinary experience in our industry and sincere dedication to ensuring quality service to our dealers and customers is a great match with BWG’s history of over thirty years of growth in the industry. I am confident that he will contribute to BWG’s continued growth,” says Dawn Morris, Bankers Warranty Group General Manager.

Bankers Warranty Group Expands Sales Team

St. Petersburg, FL | December 18, 2012

Hall and Miller Assume New Roles

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), an affiliate of Bankers Financial Corporation, announced two new additions to its sales team.

Erin L. Hall joins BWG as Sales Manager, having previously worked in sales and management at Dealer Tire LLC. Justin Miller, in his fourth year at BWG, has been promoted to the role of Sales Trainer. He most recently served Client Service Account Manager.

“BWG is excited to have both Erin and Justin on the Sales Team,” said Rich Martens, BWG Vice President of Sales. “As we expand and refine our Sales Team and its focus, these two are excellent representatives of the quality service BWG provides to all our partners.”

Bankers Warranty Group Launches Smartphone Freeplacement™ Plan

St. Petersburg, FL | November 28, 2012

Revolutionary, No-deductible Coverage Plan for all Mobile Phones

An industry-first warranty plan for mobile phones hits the market today, according to Bankers Warranty Group (BWG). The BWG Smartphone Freeplacement Plan provides protection from accidental damage including drops, bumps, liquid spills, and submersion with zero deductible cost. The Freeplacement Plan can save cell phone owners up to hundreds of dollars per incident.

The plan, offered through select retailers, covers all smartphone brands and both iPhone and Android systems, while providing up to two replacement phones per warranty. Freeplacement Plan customers have access to around-the-clock live customer service

“Unlike other plans on the market today, The Freeplacement Plan is customer friendly, based on straightforward, easy-to-understand terms and conditions,” said BWG General Manager Dawn Morris. “We’ve heard what cellphone users are saying – they want no deductibles, full coverage for replacements and a simple warranty that is spelled out clearly. The BWG Freeplacement Plan is that program.”

Bankers Warranty Group (BWG), a subsidiary of Bankers Financial Corporation, is a leading provider of insured extended service plans covering electronics, home appliances, computers, wireless devices and other consumer products. For more information, please call 800-431-5843 ext. 6212.

Bankers Warranty Group Announces Leadership Changes

St. Petersburg, FL | October 29, 2012

Dawn Morris, a BWG veteran of over 18 years, has been promoted to General Manager. In her new role overseeing the warranty business, she reports to Billy Nutt, President of the BFC Business Solutions Group. Says Nutt, “Dawn has proven time and time again her extensive knowledge of the warranty business in general and of our customers, specifically. She will build upon BWG's recent successes as we expand our reach in the marketplace and continue to innovate with custom warranty programs.”

Rich Martens has returned to BWG as Vice President of Sales, having previously served as Vice President of Sales at Fortegra Financial Corporation. In addition to his prior work at BWG, Martens has national sales and marketing experience with Samsung, Sharp and other leading electronics manufacturers. “I am happy to return to Bankers Warranty Group and am excited about the opportunities in front of our company,” says Martens.